Neural Circuit Development Laboratory: Adhesion

Xiaobing Yuan, Ph.D. Investigator

Rapid progress has been made in discovering the genetic differences that are closely associated with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) or significantly increase its risk. The growing list of ASC risk genes has stimulated exploration of potential convergence pathways of multiple genes causing autism phenotypes, e.g. the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, synaptic adhesion signaling pathway or activity-dependent signaling pathway. It has been shown that cadherin family members are among the most frequently mutated genes in ASC. To better understand why mutation of these adhesion molecules causes ASC, it is urgent that we study how these adhesion molecules contribute to the normal development of brain circuitries that are closely relevant to ASC and clarify what signaling pathway mediates their function. We are using combined approaches, including molecular and cellular, biochemical, histological, electrophysiological and behavioral to address these questions. Our current research focuses on ASC-relevant neuronal circuitries in the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum. By bridging the genetic findings with neurobiological mechanisms, our research will benefit the future discovery of mechanism-based interventions for ASC.